BIRMINGHAM manager Alex McLeish has warned his players they must improve quickly or risk seeing their promotion dreams go up in smoke.

Blues have picked up only one point from their last three games, a 1-1 draw with lowly Nottingham Forest last time out, having previously embarked on the club's best ever start to a season.

"We wouldn't get promoted with that type of performance," said McLeish.

"The players came in and had a go at each other and I was glad to hear it. What was said in the dressing room remains private but it was frustration at the last three performances. At least some of them are aware of it because thank God it wasn't my voice again.

"They need to be aware of how important getting back into the Premier League is to Birmingham."